Entertainment Books

This recoplilation of Mcfarlane's Spiderman colaboration, shows the origin of VENOM, and what Jim Lee did to X-men, Mcfalane did to Spiderman, he reinvented the "spagetti" web, he gave strong to the spider character, the draws are spectacular, and the plots are simple but interesting.

its ya boy caleb...on my moms account...just bought the book and love it...this book shows a couple pages of #298,#299, and all of #300,#315,#316,#316,#317...the beginning is awesome cuz it leads up to venom finding spider-man...and its chilling and spine tingling to see how ruthless and how vengeful he was against spidey...as the story moves on you see mary jane being a real trooper...and being such a great wife for peter...then the major battle happens...defenitly fun to watch...and makes you actually think "is spidey gonna get out of this"...it was awesome!...later it gets more tense...but im not going to spoil it for u...its an awesome book...not that big of a book...but its good...really good

This graphic novel contains some scenes from Amazing Spider-Man # 298 and #299. It contains full Amazing Spider-Man # 300, 315, 316, and 317. It tells about the first issues of Venom. It contains one comic about the Hydro Man. If you like Venom then buy this.

Ir you're a fan of Todd McFarlane's art and you don't have this yet, what are you waiting for? This book contains Amazing Spider-Man #300 which is the first full appearance, origin of Venom, and his first fight with Spidey. It also has, I think, issues #315-317 which is the Venom rematch. Not really a great story but it's a good enough backdrop for McFarlane where he started to do his best work and this is full of some great pictures. I recommend this for Mcfarlane and Venom fans.

Todd McFarlane took over the penciling chores on "Amazing Spider-Man" in March 1988, and quickly took the book straight to the top of the mountain as the #1 comic book in the industry. The reason why is contained within the pages of "Spider-Man vs. Venom", collecting two cameos from Venom in ASM #298 and #299, and then the epic first confrontation and return match between Spider-Man and Venom from ASM #300, 315, 316 and 317.

After seemingly destroying the alien symbiote he picked up during the Secret Wars, Spider-Man is dismayed to find out that the alien symbiote has not only survived, but has joined with someone who likewise shares an intense hatred of the superhero. The result is Venom, a monsterous opponent who has all of Spider-Man's strengths, can cancel out his spider-sense, and lives for only one purpose: The annihilation of Spider-Man. Far from the countless pretenders who have sought to kill Spider-Man, Venom is the one opponent who actually has the hatred and raw strength and savagery to get the job done. Spider-Man barely survives their first encounter after Venom overwhelms him with his massive strength and similar spider-powers, and Peter Parker realizes that he has to figure out a way to out-think Venom lest their second encounter lead to his death.

Writer David Michelinie and artist Todd McFarlane created one of the most exciting Spider-Man adversaries in years, as well as one of the most talked-about and sought-after series of books in comics history. McFarlane's pencils are at their best here, and he takes to Spider-Man like a fish to water. Almost immediately he adds a visual flair to Spider-Man that hadn't been seen since the days of Lee/Romita. Likewise, Michelinie earns his kudos with the story arc he constructs, leaving the reader more on the edge of his proverbial seat with each successive issue, until finally the two adversaries meet in a fight which might ultimately lead to BOTH their destructions. If anyone wants to see what the big fuss was with Todd Mcfarlane's run on Spider-Man, THIS is the book to own.

Mimi Braverman's book "The Spin on Spiner" lists every film Brent has made, names his character, describes the scenes and his comments about the role. The same is done for all his live stage productions prior to "1776," and all TV appearances (except StarTrek series which can be found in other sources). "Spin" includes pages of biography and personal background. Everything is documented--no gossip, no guesswork, just very good reading.

And I thought I knew everything there was available about Brent Spiner!!! There was hardly anything in this book which I actually already knew about Brent, it's not like the stuff you get on every single Brent site on the web, this is interesting stuff you've never heard before about every darn role the guy has ever been in. It is well worth buying, I totally recommend it

I thought the book was informative and interesting. The only thing lacking were pictures of Mr. Spiner (either how he really looks or pictures of him in character)and more personal information, such as his hobbies, future career goals, etc. All in all, a nicely done book.

It has been mentioned before that this is not a tabloid-geared biography. Braverman steers clear of the personal and focuses on Spiner's public life and professional life -- not his personal life. This is a refreshing change from the Kitty-Kelly-esque celebrity bios we are used to seeing published. I do not need to know Mr. Spiner's favorite cereal or whom he first had intercourse with and where. This "spin" concentrates on the good stuff. Bravo, Ms. Braverman.

Fans of Brent Spiner -- and casual readers -- will find this factual filmography of Spiner's theatre, television and motion picture work insightful and concise. There's no "drooling fan", sychophantic, "goo-goo eyed" driveling over the actor in this book. It sticks to the facts, dispells some rumors, and gives everyone who reads it some of idea of this actor's full body of work. It's physically not much to look at (a soft cover piece with no artwork to speak of), but as reference material, it is excellent.

It's been a few years since we last bought one of the Star Trek wall calendars. It's good to have one again. We prefer the original series calendars to the more recent sequels and to the "Ships of the Line." Overall size of the calendar is more than adequate and color photos are great. This year's (2008) version has shots from the original TV series, starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and the late DeForest Kelley. We believe each of the first three years of the series are represented. The calendar also has two months with photos from the Star Trek movies, "Wrath of Khan" and "Search for Spock." Key dates related to the series, stars, and international holidays are included. Finally, there's a centerfold of the original starship Enterprise, with a space station floating in the distance. Quite well done.

Calendar was in stellar condition, exactly as described. I highly recommend it to any fan of the oridional series.

This calendar is really fantastic. The pictures are great! Also, it features important dates/birthdays pertaining to the Original Series cast! The font of the calendar is in line with the Star Trek font. This is a great gift for that serious Star Trek Fan! Highly recommend it!

I look forward to the annual classic Star Trek wall calendar. This year was no exception. The pictures are full of color with clean, crisp images. The vibrant colors that classic Trek was famous for come shining through. Nice to liven up any room or to keep as a collectible.

it was a bit banged up when it arrived, but I feel it was no fault of the company that sent it, just the post office which mangles everything. So, over all, the company was prompt in shipping, and made every effort to send it so it wouldn't get bent.

I absolutely liked this devotional and you get to learn more about the CCM group Point of Grace. There are 24 chapters, its easy to read, with song lyrics, questions, etc. I'd even reccomend it to those that aren't fans of POG, because its a very well done devotional. Great for beginners and new Christians. You can use this devotional anytime of the year, since it doesn't have any calendar dates. It's also great for a small group study.

I read the book it is really good it inspires me so much.I have all their cds.I love their music so much .I can't wait to meet them.I LOVE POG.

I had been wanting this book for awhile and I got it for my birthday. I was so thrilled. It is a truly awesome book. These four girls are very talented and definetly chose the right way in which to use them! Their voices blow me away everytime I hear them. God blessed them so much. This book is SO good! Please buy it! I assure you that you will love it too!! :o)

I'm a big fan of Point of Grace, so I got this book originally because I liked them so much. When I read the book I was blown away!! The girls may not consider themselves writers but the did an incredible job on this book. I had to contain myself to only read one a day! If you are a Christian, I garuantee it will bring you closer to God, and if it doesn't touch you in any way, e-mail me:o)

Point of Grace's "Steady On" Devotional book is a beautifully written piece of literature. For individuals who may be in a "dry" spell in their walk with Christ, I reccomend you read a devotional from "Steady On" every morning- read it in the morning (do the questions through keeping a journal)and that way you have started your day on a solid foundation. Also, be sure to end your devotional time in prayer. "Steady On" is a great way to get excited about your walk with Christ. Point of Grace is a pheonomenon in the Christian music industry. With amazing harmonies and their honesty behind their words in "Steady On", it's no wonder that this group is as succesful as they are. Go out and purchase "Steady On." If you sit down and get totally honest with yourself, this devotional book can lead you into days filled with the hope, peace, and contentment that Jesus longs for you to experience. You WILL NOT be disapointed. Enjoy...

The book contains some details about mcQueen's life that only the writer knew , that give a hint about how mcQueen viewed life, danger, and speed.
but the photos are mainly advertising ones and not real life.
i would expect more on the life of mcqueen as a person and not only as an actor

A wonderful work of art that captures what made Steve so charismatic and appealing. It leaves you wishing you could see more from other periods in his life. This is a book I will treasure all my life. Thank you Amazon, I would have paid ten times as much for this book. God Rest His Soul.

According to his foreward to this book, the photographer William Claxton met Steve McQueen in 1962 when McQueen was starring with Natalie Woods in LOVE WITH THE PROPER STRANGER. The two men formed a friendship and apparently Mr. Claxton became Mr. McQueen's favorite and most requested photographer. This book of wonderful photographs, covering a couple of years in Mr. McQueen's life from 1962 to 1964, is a result of that brief friendship. Most of the pictures appear to be shot in available light and have a wonderful, informal spontaneity about them impossible to capture in formal portraiture. Both the photographer and subject are comnpletely without pretention.

Mr. Claxton caught Mr. McQueen smiling, clowning and pensive. There are photographs of McQueen in fast cars as well as on motorcycles. Many of the shots were done while Mr. McQueen was working on movies. There are also many pictures of him with family and friends. Most of the shots are in black and white with a few in color. Every time I look at them I find yet another photograph that I think is the best in the book. There is a haunting shot of McQueen with his young daughter where the child, sitting on the floor and resting on her arms, looks into Claxton's camera. We only see her father's legs and feet. (p. 79) Another great shot appears on page 73. McQueen is embracing the family cat. Finally, there's a shot of McQueen lying on a blanket in a large field. His profile is beautifully backlit. Both photographs selected for the front and back covers are fine, informal portraits as well.

This book made me remember how much I enjoyed Steve McQueen's movies and made me sad that he is no longer among us.

A great book, considering it is of a short period in Steve McQueen's life. This is him in his prime captured by a great photographer.

Very comprehensive. Show's a different side of the rough and tumble character known as Steve McQueen. Very entertaining.

Hilariously melodramatic monologue, generous, engaging narrative and classic Sendak illustrations make this theatrical romp a favourite of adults and children alike.

If wolves went to ballet, they wouldn't go to Swan Lake, they would go to Swine Lake! We think 4th and 5th graders would like this book because it is more challenging. You should read it a couple times to really understand it and have fun reading it. It's a very good book. It has action in it. We thought it would be rated 4.

I bought this book for my three year old daughter for Christmas. Although she has nearly a hundred books, she has requested this one every night for three months. She knows most of it verbatim. I think the book's okay, but for her it is something truly special and charming. She enjoys the dilema of the wolf, the grumpy landlady and the diverse characters of the pigs. This is a great story for kids with budding imaginations.

Swine lake, was absolutely wonderful, and it brought back memories of my childhood years. I reccomend it to those who are young at heart. I found it a very tasteful, and enjoyable piece of literature. So read it i say...thankyou

Swine Lake is a wonderfully creative story. It takes a twist that my daughter (age 7) nor I expected. The art of Maurice Sendak is as wonderful as ever. Great fun to read.

Even my 5 year old daughter who was given the Barbie movie by the same title prefers me to read this book to her over watching the dvd. The illustrations are lovely; the text is interesting, yet clear enough for my little one to understand. A wonderful book for any little girl who enjoys beautiful dresses and magical places.

Having enjoyed looking at children's book since childhood this illustrated book is absolutely amazing. Each page is beautifully illustrated in Oil based paint, such exquisite artistry in a book made for children. The detail of each painting serves to tell the tale without words.

Having enjoyed looking at children's book since childhood this illustrated book is absolutely amazing. Each page is beautifully illustrated in Oil based paint, such exquisite artistry in a book made for children. The detail of each painting serves to tell the tale without words.

I've said it in another review and I'll say it again: every home should have at least one Ruth Sanderson book in their children's bookshelves, and her retelling of 'The Twelve Dancing Princesses' would be a pretty good choice.

The king of a prosperous kingdom has twelve beautiful daughters, but is confused at the state of their shoes each morning - each pair is worn through, although the door to their bedroom is locked. Where are the princesses going and how are they getting out? Many men are sent to guard the princesses with the promise that if they solve the mystery they may gain one of their hands in marriage, but all the young princes disappear by morning. But one day Michael comes to the castle as a helper to the gardener with the magical gift of an invisibility cloak given to him by an old woman on the road. Instantly smitten with the youngest princess Lina, Michael hides in the girls' bedroom under his cloak and watches them creep through a secret trapdoor, through glittering woods and across a vast lake to a castle... but how is a mere commoner supposed to inform the king of this and secure the love of his youngest daughter?

Ruth Sanderson once again brings to life a beautiful fairytale with her glorious oil paintings, making this a must for any bookshelf, or lovers of fairytales or fine art. Despite the fact there are twelve princesses, the illustrations are never cluttered, and Sanderson captures water, material, hair and even glances between one figure to another realistically, yet with a whimsical and fantasy touch. If there is one slight flaw, her colours are less bright than in other books - they are mostly pale yellows, blues or greens that give them a slightly washed out look when compared to the vividness of her other books such as 'The Golden Mare, the Firebird and the Magic Ring' and 'The Crystal Mountain', but this is most definitely one of her best narrative retellings. 'The Enchanted Wood' in my opinion still contains her best illustrations, but the story is rather weak. 'The Twelve Dancing Princesses' is the best choice for a melding of both art and storytelling skills.

Basically, girls will adore this, parents will love reading it, and if you take the time to persuade boys that is isn't a 'girly' book, then I'm certain they'll be intrigued enough by the mysterious midnight travels through the woods and the cunning of Michael to enjoy it too!

Ruth Sanderson's 'Twelve Dancing Princesses' is a fresh, deftly written take on the original fairy tale. The characters come alive, and the writing captures the childlike innocence of a fairy-tale world without being saccharine. However, what really makes this book stand out are the gorgeous illustrations. Sanderson's sumptuous oil paintings enrich the tale, and are works of art in their own right. Even without words, she knows how to create an atmosphere of mystery and of magic.

This is a fascinating autobiography of two brother songwriters-- and believe me, you've heard all of their songs. From the musical Mary Poppins to sharing an academy award nomination with John Williams, the Sherman Brothers tell their marvelous story through pictures and anecdotes. This is a "must have" for anyone who loves music and Disney! Great Book!!!

Every one of the more than 250 extra large Disney scrapbook pages is filled with unique, full color memorabilia from Walt Disney, and Robert and Richard Sherman, the song writers that created a world of popular music. Everything from pictures and memorabilia of Annette, Haley Mills, and Julie Andrews, to Tommy Sands, 101 Dalmations, The Carousel of Progress, and the Enchanted Tiki Room are featured. Items are grouped by decades. You can spend endless, enjoyable hours just looking in this huge volume that weighs 4 pounds !! Well worth adding to your Disney or music or movies or entertainment library.

What a great book about in my opinion the best songwriters! The Shermans had the opportunity to be with Disney during what I believe was the peak of the Disney Co. Their songs have warmed the hearts of millions of people across the world. My mother had never heard of the Shermans but whenever I sing their songs she says "I love that song, I didn't know they wrote that..." I can count on their songs being family friendly and joyful. I love Winnie the Pooh was not at all surprised when I discovered who wrote the songs! I never get tired of reading Walt's Time. The pictures are great and layout is so different. It is fun to read the background stories that is behind each song. Such as A Spoon full of Sugar and how Robert's son gave them the inspiration. I know the price makes it difficult for some of us. I personally do not own the book, but I love to borrow it from my library. It is a must read for every Disney and Sherman fan out there!

Wow!, What a feast of fun! Here's the story of two of this century's most prolific and popular songwriters, the Sherman Brothers, finally cronicled in a superb scrapbook. Discover the Sherman Brothers' insights into the enigma that was Walt Disney, and learn of their dream job with this man.. who nurtured their talent, producing a sound that is truly instantly recognisable, the world over. These are the guys who created "the biggest word you ever heard", who left us singing of a "small, small world".. and gave lyrical life to a "fantasmagorical machine" called Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

This is a lovingly remembered book by the Dick and Bob, put together with the help of a few amazingly dedicated fans. Bruce & David and Jeff have produced another gem of a book. With them, too much is never enough.. the photographic treasures, the office cartoons all give the impression of being invited to dinner with the Shermans. I was lucky enough to hear the Shermans at the piano for a preview of this book at a Disney fan's convention last year. That was a night I'll never forget.. as the brothers sang their way through the songs of my childhood. Now the feeling of that night (and my childhood) has been captured in print, and I can't be happier! Thanks guys, it's supercalifragilisticexpialidocious !

This book is truly the gem of my library... A beautiful look at the careers of Robert B. and Richard M. Sherman! Reading this book brought back so many memories! Little did I realize that so many of my favorite Disney (and even non-Disney) musical films all had one special thing in common... the music of the Sherman Brothers.

This wonderful book is formatted like a huge scrapbook... its fun to read, and just packed with rare photos, cartoons and other memorabilia that would delight any reader.

It's one of the most inspirational things one can see in the world - a man who is paralyzed from the neck down deciding that invalidism isn't for him and making something of themselves. "Wheeling the Deal: The Outrageous Legend of Gordan Zahler, Hollywood's Flashiest Quadriplegic" is the story of Gordon Zahler, a man who turned himself into one of Hollywood's fast talking and successful idea men who traveled the world, married, and so much more, disregarding his condition and living life to the fullest he possibly could. "Wheeling the Deal: The Outrageous Legend of Gordon Zahler, Hollywood's Flashiest Quadriplegic" is a brilliant and uplifting true story and is highly recommended for anyone in a similar position or has a relative there - to open their eyes to the possibilities.

The thing that struck me most about
Chip Jacobs' fascinating biography of his
"Hollywood Player" uncle was just how
un-Hollywood it felt. Certainly there is the
human interest aspect, involving the tragic,
early childhood injury that left Gordon
Zahler bound to a wheelchair for life. Yet
Mr. Jacobs wisely avoids going overly maudlin
upon his audience, choosing instead to offer
up the portrait of a man, so driven by the
desire to succeed, that a mere physical
disability could not stand in his way.
Throughout the course of reading this book, I
never saw Gordon Zahler as an object of pity;
there were in fact times when I found him an
entirely unsympathetic character. But he
always came across as a human being, with all
the debilitating flaws, and ennobling traits
that characterize our species. And that to me
is what makes a great biography. I look
forward to Mr. Jacobs' next work.

"Wheeling the Deal" is a wonderful and cavorting tale about Gordon Zahler, the most unlikely of Hollywood players. His boyhood foreshadowed the rip-roaring life this soon-to-be quadriplegic would live. Every stop sign said "go." Every warning sign signaled an opportunity for a fresh surge of adrenaline. Then a gymnastics accident broke his neck at age 14.

The prognosis was death. But Zahler was both too stubborn to die and too stubborn to let the wheelchair that would become his life-long attachment keep him from living with the fullness he considered his birthright.

Cut off from the sense and pleasure of the rest of his body, Gordon Zahler lived entirely within the confines of his head. With little to do but think, wheelchair-bound Zahler rolled into Hollywood on the strength of his father's considerable collection of musical compositions. After several fits and starts, he eventually broke into Tinseltown in earnest, parlaying his father's musical collection into business relationships with the likes of horror-movie director Ed Wood.

Intoxicated by his success, Zahler wanted more influence, riches and notoriety. In time he built the most active post-production movie and TV house in Hollywood. He and wife Judy's traveled the world and hosted cocktail parties attended by the A-list likes of Sidney Sheldon, Jerry Lewis and Nat King Cole.

He also dreamed up many harebrained schemes that belly-flopped or never got off the ground.

Not all of these recollections are endearing. Zahler was a skinflint, paying his people miserly wages even as his own fortunes piled up. His parsimony ultimately drove away devoted longtime employees. Even those who handled Zahler's most basic human functions were subjected to his volcanic temper. That included his demanding and acidic treatment of his care-giving mother.

"Wheeling the Deal" also deals with family bonds, broken loyalties, cold-blooded murders and lost fortunes, right up to its heartbreaking finish.

Author Chip Jacobs, Gordon Zahler's nephew, bares his insecurities regarding his own membership in a chromosomal lineage that gave rise to his eccentric uncle and a retarded brother - even writing of his own accidental entry into the world.

This is the book Jacobs vowed he was never going to write, despite his mother's exhortations. Uncle Gordon's dying days were a freak show to the young Jacobs, making him about the most unsavory character he could imagine chronicling. Then the 1993 fire that swept the Altadena hills above Los Angeles turned a key Zahler family heirloom to ashes. Three years later, Jacobs covered the Malibu Canyon fire for the Daily News of Los Angeles and had an epiphany in its aftermath. A confluence of timing and events set his own imagination ablaze with the recognition of just how improbable and amazing a life his Uncle Gordon had led. The family lore was captured in newspaper clipping, oral histories, police records and legal documents that attested to the stamp Gordon Zahler put on Hollywood and the people around him.

First-time author Chip Jacobs tends to over-throttle the language in the first 25 pages, but the book quickly settles into solid storytelling with remarkable and engaging scenes, punctuated with endless bursts of energetic and artistic wordplay.

I'm already looking forward to this author's next book, which will tackle the history of smog.

There is a hot new pistol in the publishing industry, and its name is Chip Jacobs.

I rarely read biographies, but 'Wheeling the Deal' was an exceptional book. A fascinating, honest, and, at times bleak - but ultimately inspiring account of a determined man overcoming exceptional physical disabilities (quadriplegic), defying the odds to make it in Hollywood. The story was truly inspirational, and Chip Jacobs writing - entertaining and witty. The Hollywood backdrop only served to make it all the more intriguing.

`Wheeling the Deal' moves along at a breathless speed, following the turns, twists, sharp ascents, and sudden drops in the lives of Gordon Zahler and his family. That it reads like a roller-coaster ride is the more surprising, for Zahler is a quadriplegic, whose rise in Hollywood is a testament to his true grit, quick wit, and his soaring, if sometimes off-base, imagination. Chip Jacob's engaging writing style also takes us on a few spurts, sudden stomach-dropping dips, and perilous somersaults, as he delivers us a warm-hearted and humorous view of a family whose characters we at once recognize as being like our own kin, and simultaneously find way over the top. The picture of Gordon Zahler painted by Jacobs is a complex one. At the end of the book you are still not sure how you feel about this indefatigable character. He is as brutal in his personal relationships as he is unrelenting in his drive to get every scrap of excitement he can out of his tenuous life. The indelible impression is astonishment at what power lies in the heart of a human being and what can be achieved even in the face of such devastating loss.

Within Reach: An Inspirational Journey into the Life, Legacy and Influence of Billy Barty is a remarkable testimony, memorial, and treasure trove of admiration for Billy Barty, the Hollywood film actor whose most enduring legacy is perhaps his co-founding of the organization "The Little People of America". Compiled and written by Michael Copeland (one of Billy Barty's nephews) and his wife Debra Copeland, Within Reach is a compendium of anecdotes from a wide range of famous people who remember and reminisce about Billy Barty. Within Reach is suggested reading for all Billy Barty fans. Also highly recommended is the Billy Barty website ...

In an age where celebrity bios seem to focus more on carnal antics rather than acting ability or achievements, "Within Reach" is a breath of fresh air.
Filled with anecdotes and reminiscences of the late, great Billy Barty by many of his coworkers and fans, the authors Copeland achieve a touching and enjoyable tribute to a beloved actor and celebrated activist.

A friend of mine recommended this book because I enjoy reading biographies. I was familiar with some of the roles Billy Barty portrayed over his career, but was amazed to learn the full extent of his professional achievements. To achieve so much, and give so much, with all of the challenges he personally faced. Amazing. I loved reading the stories written by all of the famous people he worked with. "Within Reach" was a most enjoyable and inspirational read. A true gem.

When I first received the book "Within Reach" I only knew Billy Barty as an actor, star, entertainer and etc., but after reading "Within Reach" it enlightens you to much more! It's simply amazing all the things that Billy Barty accomplished in his life-nothing held him back-no matter what he reached out for, Billy attained. "Within Reach" shows how it is possible, no matter what handicaps or problems we have in life, that if we have the right attitude nothing can hold us back! Billy Barty certainly had the right attitude and much more! He had a kind heart and a wonderful way with people. "Within Reach" shows how a man with a big heart, compassion for people and goodness in life is really what makes a man big! Billy Barty was the biggest of all men because not only was he a great star, great friend, great husband and father but he leaves a legacy behind to all of us that says "Go ahead if you want something in your life you can achieve it-there's no obstacle that you can't overcome-Well, it's "Within Reach"!

Knowing how much of an impact Billy Barty had on my life, it was amazing to see how many other peoples lives had experienced the same thing. Billy Barty touched the world in a way that not many are able to. I don't see how anyone could read this book and not find themselves walking away with more than they came with!